How does a High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Work? (IMAGE)

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

How does a High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Work?

Caption

A nuclear explosion in the atmosphere releases a pulse of gamma radiation, which strips electrons from air molecules. Electrons are drawn to Earth’s magnetic poles in a corkscrew pattern, releasing enormous levels of electromagnetic radiation that damages systems within line of sight.

Credit

Andy Sproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

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